Sizing a generator for your RV or camper will greatly determine how comfortable an off-grid adventure will be. As more and more people begin to go RVing and camping, having a properly sized power source is no longer an option but a must. Be it boondocking in remote locations or simply lying in a campground, reaping the benefits of its amenities, your generator plays an important role in powering your appliances, lighting, and electronic equipment.
The size of your RV will affect the size needed, as well as the number of appliances and devices you wish to run at any one time. Energy consumption patterns will also contribute to the size of the generator you will need. Buying a generator that is too small can result in frustrating power outages and inability to run needed appliances; a grossly oversized generator can lead to excessive fuel consumption and unnecessary noise.
In this in-depth guide, we will be looking at RV generators of various types; helping you roughly estimate your power needs, and suggesting the size of a generator based on different types of RVs and energy needs. Once you understand the complexity of RV generator sizing, a suitable unit will be found and the off-grid experience enjoyed.
Types of RV Generators
When it comes to powering your RV adventures, there are several types of generators you'll want to consider, each with a different set of advantages and disadvantages.
Portable vs. Built-in Generators
Portable generators are independent units that are easily movable and can be set up outside your RV. They operate primarily on either diesel or gasoline and provide an extremely convenient way of providing power on the go. They could be noisy, require refueling after short periods, and emit fumes.
The inbuilt generators, on the other hand, are permanently fixed inside the RV and, in most cases, fed by the fuel tank of the car itself. These offer perfect integration, more convenience; however, they are costlier to fit and service.
Solar-Powered vs. Gas/Diesel Generators
Solar-powered generators convert energy with the aid of photovoltaic panels that harness sunlight; hence, this is a clean and renewable source of electricity. They are quiet and generally environmentally friendly, with minimal maintenance. However, their power may be limited depending on weather conditions and sunlight.
While solar generators draw their power from the sun, gas or diesel-run generators are fossil fuel-based and can offer continuous and steady supplies of energy. They tend to be more powerful than their solar brothers but can emit fumes, need to be refueled often, and can be loud.
Pros and Cons
Each type of generator comes with its own set of pros and cons; it depends on your needs and what you really want.
Portable gasoline or diesel-powered generators may be perfect for use in rare cases or backups, though they will be a little noisy and refueling might become pretty frequent. Built-in generators offer convenience and seamless integration but can be more expensive to install and maintain.
Solar generators are very environmentally friendly ways to provide energy and require very little maintenance; their power output can be limited by various environmental conditions, including the amount of sunlight available. The gas or diesel-type electric generators do have some advantages, including providing consistent, reliable electrical energy flow, but they do emit fumes and pollution, and should be refueled at a scheduled routine.
How Much Electricity Do You Need in Your RV
The amount of electricity that you would need in your RVs depends on a lot of variables like the size of the vehicle, patterns of usage, and the power requirements of the several appliances and devices you intend to run.
Vehicle Size
The larger RVs consume more electrical power compared to the smaller ones. Generally, the Class A motorhome is the largest among recreational vehicles; thus, most of their facilities that need electricity consumption are higher by many standards. Lighter RVs, like travel trailers or pop-up campers, have relatively smaller power needs.
Usage Patterns
Your intended usage of your RV will also impact how much electricity you will require. If you will be boondocking for extended periods, you will want a larger generator or perhaps a more substantial battery bank to continue running those essentials on your RV. If you are going to remain in RV parks with electric hookups, your power requirements will be considerably less.
Appliance Power Needs
The type of devices and appliances you will be running greatly affects your requirements in electricity. Some of the most power-consuming appliances in an RV include air conditioners, refrigerators, and microwaves. Other appliances to think about in terms of including in overall power consumption are TVs, laptops, and lighting.
Estimating Power Requirements
The frequency of usage and wattage ratings for your appliances and electronic equipment will give a good idea about the power requirements of a certain solar electric system. Here are some general estimates based on budget size:
- Small travel trailers or pop-up campers: 1,000 to 3,000 watts
- Medium-sized travel trailers or fifth wheels: 3,000 to 5,000 watts
- Large fifth wheels or Class A motorhomes: 5,000 to 8,000 watts
Keep in mind this is rough estimates, and your power needs might be more or less than these numbers depending upon your setups and patterns of use. Always overestimate what you think your power needs are to make sure you have enough capacity for your RVing adventures.
How Much Power Do Common RV Appliances Use
One of the most important steps in determining the ideal size of the generator for your RV is to comprehend what the power requirements of the appliances and devices you want to run are. A table showing several common RV appliances and their typical wattage requirements follows:
| Appliance | Typical Wattage |
|---|---|
| Air Conditioner (13,500 BTU) | 1010 - 1800 watts |
| Microwave Oven | 600 - 1500 watts |
| Refrigerator | 180 - 600 watts |
| TV (LED/LCD) | 60 - 150 watts |
| Coffee Maker | 500 - 1000 watts |
| Hair Dryer | 1000 - 1800 watts |
| Electric Heater | 1500 watts |
| Laptop/Computer | 50 - 300 watts |
It's important to note that these are approximate values, and the actual wattage may vary depending on the specific model and age of the appliance.
To estimate the run time of your generator for these appliances, you'll need to consider the generator's rated wattage and fuel tank capacity. For example, a 3000-watt generator with a 4-gallon fuel tank might provide the following run times:
- Air Conditioner (1500 watts): 6-8 hours
- Microwave Oven (1000 watts): 8-10 hours
- Refrigerator (300 watts): 12-15 hours
- TV and Laptop (200 watts): 15-18 hours
Keep in mind that these estimates assume you're running only one appliance at a time. If you plan to run multiple appliances simultaneously, you'll need a larger generator or be prepared for shorter run times.
How Do You Calculate RV Watt Usage
To determine the watt usage of your RV appliances and devices, you need to understand the concept of watt-hours (Wh). Watt-hours represent the amount of energy consumed or required by an appliance over a specific period of time, typically one hour.
The formula to calculate watt-hours is:
Watt-hours = Watts × Hours of Operation
For example, if you have a 100-watt light bulb and you plan to run it for 5 hours, the watt-hour calculation would be:
Watt-hours = 100 watts × 5 hours = 500 Wh
This means that your 100-watt light bulb will consume 500 watt-hours of energy if you run it for 5 hours.
When calculating watt usage, it's important to consider the following factors:
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Appliance Wattage: Determine the wattage of each appliance you plan to use in your RV. This information is usually listed on the appliance or in the manufacturer's specifications.
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Usage Duration: Estimate the approximate number of hours you plan to operate each appliance during your RV trip or camping adventure.
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Simultaneous Usage: Consider if you will be running multiple appliances simultaneously, as this will increase your overall watt-hour consumption.
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Battery Capacity: If you're using a battery-powered system, factor in the battery's capacity in watt-hours to determine how long it can power your appliances before needing a recharge.
By understanding watt-hour calculations, you can better estimate your energy needs and choose an appropriately sized generator or battery system for your RV adventures.
Portable RV Generator Sizes
The generators for RVs can be bought in a wide range of capacities, usually in watt-hours. These compact units are designed to provide power on the go. They are ideal for RVs, campers, and vans. The capacity range of portable RV generators spans from as low as 200Wh to as high as 3600Wh.
On the lower side of the scale, generators in the range of 200Wh to 500Wh are generally good for vital devices such as phones, laptops, and small appliances. These models are lightweight and thus easy to carry; they are therefore recommended for camping purposes and other shorter off-grid excursions.
Going up the scale, generators starting from 1000Wh to 2000Wh should be able to carry increasingly heavier, more demanding loads, such as running a small refrigerator, TV, and lighting systems. Like Growatt INFINITY 1200 and INFINITY 1500, These mid-level units combine decently balanced power output with portability, hence their popularity among many RVers.
With bigger power requirements, one can opt for portable RV generators ranging between 2000Wh and 3600Wh. Like Growatt INFINITY 2000 and HELIOS 3600, These high-capacity units are able to run several appliances simultaneously, including air conditioners, microwaves, and even power tools. However, it has to be put in mind that the big ones are a bit heavy and less portable compared to their small siblings.
The single greatest advantage to portable RV generators, however, is that they are expandable. Most major manufacturers offer smart batteries available that can be hooked together to expand the total capacity of the system. This modular approach allows RVers to buy a small unit and scale up their power over time versus having to upgrade the entire system to something larger.
Built-In RV Generator Sizes
RV generators are designed for quick and easy installation within your RV electrical system. This makes it very easy to operate and a very reliable source of power indeed. These usually come in sizes from 3000 watts to 12,000 watts. Indeed, a wide variance in sizes caters for numerous different RVs and energy needs.
Concomitant with built-in generators, a great degree of uniformity and continuity of power is the chief advantage. While portable ones have to be turned on and then manually linked, whenever an RV's electrical system detects a loss of shore power, the built-in generators switch on automatically. In this respect, such a transition is seamless, ensuring essential appliances and systems keep working and there would not be any disruption in your RV experience.
Another major difference between installed and portable generators involves their relation to the electrical system of the RV. Built-in generators are wired into an RV's electrical panel for better and more direct power distribution. Such ensemblage negates the need for cables and connections on the outside that create clutter and possible safety risks.
Also, the inbuilt generators are more powerful than the portable ones, which makes them suit air conditioning units, refrigerators, and several electrical outlets. Equipped with higher wattage capacities, in-built generators may comfortably bear the demands of either bigger RVs or those with extensive electrical needs.
It is, however, important to note that with great convenience and power comes greater upfront cost and often professional installation. They are also usually petrol or diesel-fed, meaning ongoing fuel costs aside from regular maintenance servicing.
What Size Generator Do I Need for My RV?
This includes the type of RV that one owns, electrical appliances needed to be run, and the consumption needs in choosing the proper size of generator for the RV.
Here's a table of recommended generator sizes for different RV types:
| RV Class | Recommended Generator Size |
|---|---|
| Class A | 5,000 - 8,000 watts |
| Class B | 2,000 - 4,000 watts |
| Class C | 3,500 - 6,000 watts |
| Travel Trailers (up to 25 ft) | 2,000 - 3,500 watts |
| Travel Trailers (26 - 35 ft) | 3,500 - 5,000 watts |
| Fifth Wheels (up to 35 ft) | 4,000 - 6,000 watts |
| Fifth Wheels (36 ft and up) | 6,000 - 8,000 watts |
| Truck Campers | 2,000 - 4,000 watts |
| Pop-up Campers | 1,000 - 2,000 watts |
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and your specific power needs may vary depending on the appliances you plan to run simultaneously and the energy efficiency of your RV.
When choosing a generator, you'll need to consider three key factors: watts, volts, and amps.
Watts: This measures the amount of power the generator can produce. You'll need to calculate the total wattage of the appliances you plan to run simultaneously and choose a generator that can handle that load.
Volts: Most RV appliances and electrical systems operate on either 120 volts (for smaller appliances) or 240 volts (for larger appliances like air conditioners). Make sure the generator you choose can provide the required voltage.
Amps: This measures the electrical current flow. RVs typically have either a 30-amp or 50-amp electrical system, and you'll need a generator that can support the appropriate amperage.
When working out your power requirement, don't forget to calculate in your startup wattage. This is additional power that must be utilized when firing up equipment such as air conditioners and refrigerators. The amount of watts here is two to three times larger than the running watts, and you'll need a big enough generator to deal with these surges.
Generator Sizing for 30-Amp and 50-Amp RVs
In recreational vehicle electrical systems, the amperage rating will be a major factor in determining the size of the generator one intends to have. Systems of 30-amp and 50-amp are the most common; understanding the differences between these two is very important in choosing a suitable generator.
30-Amp RV Electrical Systems
The typical electrical system for most smaller RVs, travel trailers, and fifth wheels is rated at 30 amps. You could run most major appliances together in this type of system: air conditioning, refrigerator, and a few lights or small electronics. However, you are recommended to pay more attention to how much power you use and which appliances should be on at any moment in time.
To calculate the generator size needed for a 30-amp RV, you can use the following formula:
Generator Size (watts) = Volts x Amps x Power Factor
For a 30-amp system, the calculation would be:
Generator Size (watts) = 120V x 30A x 1 (Power Factor) = 3,600 watts
Based on that calculation, that would indicate a 3,600-watt generator or larger should work for a 30-amp RV electrical system. Of course, most folks like having just a little reserve capacity above and beyond what the system theoretically requires for power surges and adding appliances you may run at the same time.
50-Amp RV Electrical Systems
Larger RVs, such as those from Class A motorhomes and fifth-wheel trailers, usually have 50-amp RV electrical systems. In such a system, you will have more power supplied to you, whereby you can run a number of high-power appliances together without problems concerning overloads.
To calculate the generator size needed for a 50-amp RV, you can use the same formula:
Generator Size (watts) = Volts x Amps x Power Factor
For a 50-amp system, the calculation would be:
Generator Size (watts) = 120V x 50A x 1 (Power Factor) = 6,000 watts
Based on this calculation, a 6,000-watt generator or larger would be sufficient to run a 50-amp RV electrical system. Again, it's advisable to have a generator with a slightly higher capacity to accommodate power surges and additional appliances.
It is important to remind that while a 50-amp system will bring in more power, it requires a much larger and more costly generator. Furthermore, many campgrounds and RV parks may not have 50-amp electrical hookups, requiring you to use your generator more often.
What to Look for When Shopping for a Portable Generator
When shopping for a portable generator to use with your RV, there are various things you should consider, other than simply how many watts it is rated for. Here are a few important things to look at:
Noise Level: A generator can be very loud and disrupt the quiet when camping or staying at RV parks. Seek out generators with a low noise rating - usually measured in decibels, or dB. This often makes inverter generators quieter than conventional ones.
Runtime: Check the runtime of the generator, that is, for how long it would run on one tank. The longer the runtime, the fewer the refuelings, which adds to convenience when staying out of the grid for a longer period.
Outlets: Ensure your generator has enough outlets to power all appliances and devices in your RV. Look for a mix of household outlets (120V) and, where needed, higher-voltage outlets (240V) for larger appliances, such as air conditioning units.
Fuel Type: Generators may be designed to run on gasoline, propane, or diesel fuel. Think about which one would be more suitable for you, considering what is easier to access in places you will go to.
Electric Start: If it has an electric start feature, then it would be less difficult to get a cold generator started up with no hassle of a manual pulling startup.
Parallel Capability: If you sense that soon you are going to need more power, look for generators that offer parallel capability-meaning, you will be able to connect to another unit for greater wattage output.
Safety Features: A good generator will have built-in safety features such as low-oil shutdown, overload protection, and circuit breakers that prevent further damage and make operation safe.
Portability: This would be taken into consideration if it would frequently be moved. It would need to have weight that can easily be maneuvered, wheels, or even a folding handle to make movement easier.
Warranty: The longer the warranty, the less you would have to stress about your investment should anything go wrong during manufacturing.
Remember, while wattage is important, these additional factors can greatly impact the overall convenience, safety, and longevity of your portable generator purchase.
How Much Power Do You Really Need
Most people, as they plan for an RV generator, will have a tendency to overestimate the power needs. In reality, most RVers survive with much less power than was earlier anticipated. Practical considerations include:
Energy-Efficient Appliances: Modern RV appliances are much like those found in residential settings but use less power. Generally speaking, converting to LED lights and using energy-star-rated appliances can greatly reduce power requirements overall.
Be mindful of usage patterns: Assess how you'll actually use your RV. If you're not using it very often because you dry camp and boondock, the requirements won't be as great as if you were staying in RV parks with hookups, and know how many appliances and devices you'll have running at any given time.
Downsize and Conserve: Living in an RV usually means downsizing and being more aware of what energy you use. You may not need to run all your appliances and devices at the same time. You can save loads on just simple things like propane for cooking and heating.
Consider Alternative Power Sources: Installation of solar panels or other alternative sources of power can augment the output from the generator and reduce dependence on it, thus enabling you to downsize to a smaller and more efficient unit.
Many RVers find that their needs are more than adequately met with a generator in the 2,000 to 3,000-watt range-especially when combined with energy-efficient practices and alternative power sources. Remember, the larger the generator you need, the more expensive and larger it will be; moreover, fuel consumption and noise levels will increase accordingly. By paying attention to your real power needs, you'll save money and have a much more sustainable RV lifestyle.
Conclusion
Sizing a generator correctly for your RV setup requires some careful consideration. Consider the size of your RV, appliances and devices that you'll be powering, and your typical usage patterns. Calculate the required wattage based on the power draw of each item in surge watts for motor-driven appliances.
While portable generators are convenient and can be taken with you wherever, an inbuilt model perhaps provides more power and will mesh better overall. Decide between a 30-amp or 50-amp generator depending upon the electrical system in your RV.
Finally, choosing the proper generator size means that you have just enough power for your off-grid excursions without over-investing in an overly large unit. Considering your unique circumstances and following guidelines given in this article will help you choose a generator to meet your RV's energy needs and maximize your efficiency and convenience.
